Added to this is the fact that the repression was left in the hands of local informers (who can be detected and some of whom have suffered consequences) and "collectives" (gangs of armed criminals). This leaves Maduro more like a hostage of uncontrolled criminal groups than a head of state.
Discussion
It has been suggested that military cohesion is not as strong as was believed. In fact, there is substantial evidence that Edmundo González won or was very competitive at several military unit tables, which has motivated a dramatic purge of uniformed personnel last week.